Jan. 13, 2010 - CSUB Opera Theatre is presenting a selection of scenes that are sure to entertain all ages. "An Evening of Opera and Musical Theatre Scenes" will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, in the CSUB Doré Theatre. Tickets are $10 general admission, $6 faculty, staff and seniors, and free for CSUB students with ID. Parking is free in Lots B, C and D. The box office opens one hour before performance and accepts cash and checks only. The box office can be reached at 661-654-3150.

The show opens with a scene from "Hansel and Gretel" by Engelbert Humperdinck, with Sara Hurley, Adrianna Medel and Elizabeth Provencio as Hansel, Gretel and the witch. Following, in a scene from "Don Giovanni" by Mozart, Josh Shin as Don Juan tries his hand at wooing the maid Zerlina, played by Kristen Falls. Next, Sara Kean, Elizabeth Provencio and Nathan Baglyos are in high spirits in "The Daughter of the Regiment" by Donizetti. And Almalinda Duran, Michael Redd, Robert Hamilton, Ingrid Borjas and Natosha Ramirez perform lead roles in several scenes from the charming, funny and touching "Elixir of Love," also by Donizetti. Lastly, alumni Amanda Locke and Bryce Loo join us in two songs from "The Last Five Years," a contemporary musical.

A week prior to the show, Brent McMunn, Opera Conductor at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, will give a master class to CSUB's singers from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, in the Doré Theatre. The workshop is free and open to the public. The students will perform all of the scenes for their upcoming show and McMunn will work individually with them.

McMunn made his Lincoln Center conducting debut with "Les contes d'Hoffmann" for the New York City Opera in 1998. He subsequently conducted main-stage productions for five seasons at the New York City Opera. He has toured the country as a guest conductor for several operas, and is also known for his accomplishments as a pianist.

For additional information about CSUB's Opera Theatre, call Peggy Sears at 661-654-2168 or e-mail psears@csub.edu.

Photo: Brent McMunn, Opera Conductor at USC's Thornton School of Music